FAQ

View our frequently asked questions below.

We’re challenging BC First Nations and Aboriginal people who smoke or chew commercial tobacco to quit for just 24 hours. That’s it. Quit commercial tobacco for 24 hours, enter to win a prize.

What's the catch?

The First Nations Health Authority wants to be your partner in health and wellness. Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco is among the biggest actions any of us can take to improve our physical health, and so we want to help as many people to quit as we can.

We recognize that the reasons many of us smoke are complex – there may be other factors stopping us from quitting as well such as stress, trauma or pain. Breaking the cycle of addiction is difficult, and rarely happens at once. But it can happen. Quitting commercial tobacco won’t end all of our problems, but it will make things easier – as our physical health improves so too does our mental and spiritual health.

The research tells us that the more times you try to quit commercial tobacco, the more likely you are to succeed. We know that many people who use commercial tobacco want to quit, but we also know that many people struggle to find the motivation to actually go for it. That's what the Tobacco Timeout Challenge is -- that extra nudge needed to turn a plan into action.

What are the prizes?

There are two prizes of $250. The prizes can vary each month so check back.

When will the winners be announced?

The winner will be contacted the day after the contest date, June 4, 2019.

Providing that the selected winner(s) have remained free of commercial tobacco for the full 24 hours of the contest, their names will be announced later that day. However, another day or two may be required if the first randomly selected winners do not qualify for any reason. If this occurs, additional winner(s) need to be contacted and confirmed.

Who is eligible to enter?

You can enter Tobacco Timeout Challenge, if you are:

A current smoker or tobacco user, or someone who quit in the last three months.

A BC resident.

Over 19 years of age.

Identify as First Nations or Aboriginal

Note: Contestants are permitted to use nicotine replacement therapies (e.g. patch, gum, inhaler or lozenges) during the contest period.

Does this contest include traditional tobacco use?

No, this contest encourages taking a timeout from commercial tobacco only. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge that the tobacco plant has a sacred role for many First Nations people, going back thousands of years, in spiritual ritual, prayer, and ceremony.

This traditional use of tobacco should not be confused with commercial tobacco. Commercial tobacco is addictive and contains many deadly toxins which harms rather than elevates the spirit.

Are people who chew tobacco eligible?

Yes, this contest is open to all commercial tobacco users who want to quit. To be eligible win you must quit all forms of commercial tobacco for 24 hours.

Do I have to use QuitNow to participate?

No, you do not. However, all QuitNow services – including phone, text, and our website— are all completely free and have been proven to increase your chances of quitting successfully. Give them a try today!

How will a winner be selected?

The winner(s) will be chosen at random by the BC Lung Association. To be eligible to win, you must abstain from using commercial tobacco products for the entire 24 hour contest date.

Who hosts the contest?

The contest is run in partnership by the First Nations Health Authority and the BC Lung Association, which also runs QuitNow.

Who are the past winners?

First of all, absolutely everybody who takes part in the contest and pledges to make a difference in their life by quitting commercial tobacco (even if just for a day) is a winner. So, congratulations to you all!

The prize winners from past contests are:

April 2019: Denise Pache

March 2019: Tatianna Gerling

February 2019: Trina Bird

January 2019: Zeke Burgart

December 2018: Rolene Sam

November 2018: Larissa Warrington

October 2018: Nathan Warner

September 2018: Alana Aspinall

August 2018: Allie Kidd

July 2018: Rita Switzer

June 2018: Jennifer Peters

May 2018: Levi Sladen

April 2018: Crystal Crate

March 2018: Selina August

February 2018: Lloyd Charlie

January 2018: Crystal Kelly

December 2017: Martin Wuensche

November 2017: Lorna Douglas

October 2017: Tiffany Bell

September 2017: Jennifer Thomas

August 2017: Katherine Mark

July 2017: Michelle Landry

June 2017: Faron DuBois

February 2017: Kris Salikin and Cory Stephens

January 2017: Erika Trube and Tasha William

December 2016: Trudy Lowey and Cindy West

November 2016: Patrick Myers Larissa Blank

October 2016: Moira Adams and Taron Scott

September 2016: John Wilson and Jesse-Ann Gabriel

August 2016:

July 2016: Jennifer Rostad and Jim Mortenson

June 2016: Ester Adams and Cecilia Prince

April 2016: June Jummie

March 2016: Roger Martin

February 2016: John Fair and Suzie Haldane

January 2016: Korilee Alphonse and Cara Cutler

December 2015: Lillian Antelope and Loralee Nikal

November 2015: Hillary Tuesday and Stephanie Sam

October 2015: Swo-wo Gabriel and June Wickham

September 2015: Shaya Hilbach and Jessica Frank

Significance of Logo Design

Artist Mulidzas-Curtis Wilson shared his intention behind the Tobacco Time Out logo design:

"Sun to moon in being something that represents the passage of time. From this idea I have created a half sun and half-moon design. The sun and moon on their own hold great strength and together create a strength that I hope will help those individuals trying to quit smoking."